Derby weekend is an excellent opportunity to promote and highlight the beauty of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher and First Lady Glenna Fletcher announced today the events taking place for the 2005 Governor’s Derby Celebration.

“Kentucky is nationally and internationally known for our Derby celebration. It is an excellent opportunity to highlight all that our commonwealth has to offer. I look forward to celebrating this exciting time with visitors from across the state and across the country,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher.

The annual Governor’s Derby Breakfast will be on the Capitol grounds on Derby Day, May 7th. The event is free and open to the public.

“Governor Fletcher and I invite all Kentuckians to the Capitol to join in a traditional Southern-style breakfast along with true Southern hospitality,” Mrs. Fletcher stated. “The Governor’s Derby Breakfast is a great way to start a wonderful day of Kentucky traditions.”

The annual public celebration dates from 1971 and, for most of its years, it has been staged on the Capitol grounds.

A full menu of breakfast items prepared by the Department of Parks will be served up free under the big tent. Guests will help themselves to country ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, apples, cheese grits, biscuits, pastries, muffins, fruit juices, and coffee. Food will be served from 7 to 11 a.m.

Other activities going on the week prior to the Derby are the Governor’s Derby Gala on Thursday, May 5 which is by invitation only; the Governor’s State Dinner on Friday, May 6th, invitation only; and the Governor’s Derby Train which will transport invited guests to Louisville for the Derby.

“As governor, my goal for all of these wonderful events is to promote economic development for the commonwealth,” Governor Fletcher concluded. “Derby weekend is our opportunity to show the world the beauty and the resources of Kentucky.”